STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Jay-Z and Timbaland Sued Over "Big Pimpin'" Beat

The duo faces a $5 million lawsuit over unpaid royalties.

Jay-Z and Timbaland could soon be spending G's if they don't get their way in court. Ahab Joseph Nafal filed a $5 million lawsuit in California last week against the rapper and producer for not receiving the proper royalties. He holds part of the rights to composer Baligh Hamdy's 1957 song "Khosara, Khosara," which Timbaland sampled in Jay-Z's 2000 hit "Big Pimpin'."

 

Nafal originally filed his lawsuit in 2007, but was dismissed because his claim did not list everyone who held rights to the tune, which includes Hamdy's estate. In this new suit, lawyers say that "Khosara, Khosara," having been created in 1957, is protected by the 1909 Copyright Act rather than the 1976 Copyright Act.

 

In May, a judge allowed the claim to continue when the court learned that Jay-Z and Timbaland only secured "economic rights" for the sample and not permission from Hamdy's children, something both artists deny.

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.